An eleven day long whirlwind of creativity, the Festival runs from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 23 August, 2014 at various amazing locations around the innovative Mother City, including the iconic City Hall, Gugu S’Thebe Cultural Centre in Langa and the Castle of Good Hope.

What’s the fuss about?

Confused as to what the Open Design Cape Town is all about?

In a nutshell, this stimulating celebration is an annual cross-disciplinary city-wide event that raises awareness of and increases appreciation for design by all.

This year’s fab theme, Design is for Change, marks 20 years since South Africa’s democratic transition and reflects Cape Town’s commitment to design-led transformation through its World Design Capital 2014 designation; culminating in nearly two weeks of exciting design-related exhibitions, performances, seminars, demonstrations and launches.

Before you head out to the creative affair of the year, here are 5 top events you shouldn’t miss:

For the artistic soul:

There’s nothing artists love more than showcasing their work and the Open Projects Showcase World Design Capital Collection at the inspirational City Hall is the ideal platform for them to do just that.

Come and be gobsmacked at the amazing official World Design Capital projects, including Go Metro: Cape Town on the move, a free mobile app issuing up to date rail transport info to commuters, on display. These projects have been specifically selected for their demonstration of how design can be and is being used as an agent for social, environmental and economic transformation.

For the wanna-be Picassos:

This is your last chance to create your ultimate masterpiece for the Night of 1000 Drawings Doodles on 28 August, where your work could be sold and discovered and help to raise funds for a worthy cause.

Let your imagination run free and draw anything, on anything with anything – the quirkier, the better!

Date: 22 August
Cost: Free
Location: City Hall

For the whimsical party animals:

Open Design Wrap Party

Celebrate the end of this fantastic creative festival with the mother of all wrap parties at the City Hall.